Sara Blanchard
Much like the laundry she does on a daily basis, Sara’s life has been one of many cycles. The financial cycle took her to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York. The wellness cycle got her trained in life coaching and positive psychology. The full time parenting cycle – really not a cycle, more a commitment, call it permanent press – brought her and her fabulous husband to Arizona. With two curious, energetic little girls now rounding out her family (and in school!), Sara has kicked off her latest incarnation as a writer. You can find her on the hiking trails, behind a camera or at a coffee shop.
Dear White Women Podcast
I never thought, until recently, about how White the mom blogging world was.
I know. I know.
If you immediately felt shame or anger, give me a moment to explain, because it’s not about that being wrong or right....
The Best of Arizona
Sara led the SMB team over the last year as the editor-in-chief. She is relocating to Colorado and we wish her much success in all her endeavors. Good luck, Sara!
Here is a list of...
Our Truth About Scorpions {Contributor Corner}
February in Arizona. Lounging at the park while the children play, dipping our toes into the still-chilly pool... freaking out when we see our first scorpion of the year. Yep, frighteningly, it's that time...
Presidential Knowledge Boost: Quizzes, Crafts, Videos for this President’s Day
Hello Moms! If you, like me, are a little rusty with your Presidential knowledge, here are some resources to brush up your Super Brain this President's Day.
QUIZZES
Pop Quiz: Which president had a mouth...
Our Favorite Date Night Locations {Contributor Corner}
We asked our fabulous contributors about their favorite places to go out on a date night with their partner. Here are some ideas and inspiration for your next romantic date!
"Where is your favorite place...
Sunday Meal Planning Series {Easy Super Bowl Appetizers}
Last week, we had a RIDICULOUS set of recipes from the executive chef over at Sanctuary - recipes that would make for a high-class, luxury Super Bowl party. They looked so delicious that I've...
Don’t Miss Out: Best Local Self-Development Courses
Imagine setting a goal for the year. Think you'll do better pushing through by yourself, or working with someone to guide you, encourage you, and hold you accountable?
Yep, that's right. As my brother says,...
What Are You Most Excited About for 2015 {Contributor Corner}
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! We asked our contributors what they are most excited about for the year ahead.
Monika: I'm looking forward to a family trip to Disneyland (we haven't been in years), and now both...
Best Holiday Gifts {Preschool Books}
Our 10 Favorite Toddler and Preschooler Books!
As a tag-along to today's book recommendations for elementary-school children, we want to make sure we provide a list of our favorite books for toddlers and preschoolers -...
SuperLogan: A Local AZ Boy Whose Story Will Capture Your Heart
Ladies, I bring to you the story of Logan Carson, a local Phoenix boy whose story will capture your hearts.
At the age of seven, Logan was a healthy boy going to school and playing...
The Can’t-Miss Tooth Fairy App for your Toothless Children
I don't know where I saw it, but I remembered the image of the sleeping child with a superimposed "fairy" fluttering around on the video screen. Coooooool, I thought, when my kids lose their...
barre3 North Scottsdale Giveaway!
Get your sweat on!
Who knew that a class based on holds and tiny movements would leave me with my legs quaking and towel soaking?
The new North Scottsdale location of barre3 has offered Scottsdale...
Back to School in Arizona. What Are Your Shortcuts to Get Out The Door?
I crave routine and productivity.
So "Back to School" is fabulous because it means the kids get up, have breakfast, and get out the door. Well, and make a mess of the kitchen floor,...
A Summer of Imagination: What I Discovered By Getting Out Of The Heat
We love The Valley.
The perpetual sunshine, the friendly people, the access to outdoor activities…
That said, as the years go on, I find that my tolerance for heat is decreasing and the summers...
Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa: An Easy Getaway for your Family {AZ Staycation Series}
I'm sending a major thanks to the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, who provided me and my family a two night stay, meals at their Grille at ShadowRock, a spa treatment and a Pink...
5 Powerful Maya Angelou Quotes for Moms
Maya Angelou, an inspirational poet, writer, activist, and speaker, died last month but has left many words of wisdom in her wake. Here are my five favorite Maya Angelou quotes, as they apply to...
Whoops! My Daughter Broke her Arm and I Ignored It!
I probably jinxed myself by writing my last post on the Valley's Pediatric Emergency Rooms.
Within two weeks of publishing the article - and a week before she was set to be a flower...
Summer Travel Prep: Do You Have Your Children’s Passports?
If you have booked a trip by air to anywhere outside the United States, don't forget that just like adults, your children will need to have a passport.
If you already have your children's passports but...
What every Scottsdale Mom should know before visiting a Pediatric Emergency Room
*If you are in the middle of a true emergency, stop reading now and call 9-1-1
There's nothing like getting a phone call from your child's school saying there's been an accident, and that you...
Best Playgrounds in Northeast Scottsdale for Preschoolers
Last month we started a series on the best playgrounds in Scottsdale (and the surrounding areas). Follow along with our contributors as they share their playground picks in various parts of town. This time,...
Boycotting Valentine’s Day: How To Stage The Perfect Date Night At Home
I love my husband. I love our life together. And I do not see why I have to buy into the Hallmark holiday of Valentine's Day in order to celebrate those things. Especially when we...
The Top 5 Powerless Words to Stop Using Now
You've read all about powerless words. You've eliminated the word "try" from your vocabulary. What are the other top five powerless words to stop using now?
DON'T
Don't go into the street vs stop right now.
Don't...
The Fastest Way to Tank Your New Year’s Resolutions
As wise Yoda once said, "No. Try Not. Do or Do Not. There is no Try!"
There I was back in November, writing my blog post about Christmas gifts to give your children real happiness....
How I Got My Four-Year-Old To Whine Less
It was sometime after Halloween but before Thanksgiving. That magical time of year when your young children have gotten a big taste of sugar and remembered how much they are addicted to it. On...
5 Gift ideas that will bring your children “Real Happiness”
I grew up incredibly lucky, waking up to a mountain of green-and-red wrapped presents under our Christmas tree every December 25. Creeping down the stairs with my brothers, eager with anticipation, seeing the piles...
The Traveling Mommy: 5 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road!
Before kids, I used to travel all the time. After kids, not so much.
So when the opportunity came up to travel to Japan for the first time in nearly five years - without...
The Frock Off: Everything You Need To Know About Closet Purging, with a Girls...
Our clothes are too much a part of us for most of us ever to be entirely indifferent to their condition: it is as though the fabric were indeed a natural extension of the...
Tap-Dancing in Tutus: Should All Kids Dress The Same?
We here at SMB are excited to introduce to you the newest addition to our team: Sara Frederick! You can learn more about our amazingly talented new contributor on our "Meet the Contributors" page or at...